Decrease in early mortality for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients in the Netherlands: a population-based study

Abstract

Identification of risk factors for early mortality (EM) in multiple myeloma (MM) patients may contribute to different therapeutic approaches in patients at risk for EM. This population-based study aimed to assess trends in EM and risk factors for EM among MM patients diagnosed in the Netherlands. All MM patients, newly diagnosed between 1989 and 2018, were identified in the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Patients were categorized into three calendar periods (1989–1998, 1999–2008, 2009–2018) and into five age groups (≤65, 66–70, 71–75, 76–80, >80 years). EM was defined as death by any cause ≤180 days post-diagnosis. We included 28,328 MM patients (median age 70 years; 55% males). EM decreased from 22% for patients diagnosed in 1989–1998 to 13% for patients diagnosed in 2009–2018 (P < 0.01) and this decrease was observed among all age groups. Exact causes of death could not be elucidated. Besides patient’s age, we found that features related to a more aggressive disease presentation, and patient characteristics reflecting patients’ physical condition were predictive of EM. In summary, EM decreased from 1999 onwards. Nevertheless, EM remains high, especially for patients aged >70 years. Therefore, novel strategies should be explored to improve the outcome of patients at risk for EM.

Time trends in survival and causes of death in multiple myeloma: a population-based study from Germany

“…Importantly, we observed improvement of survival estimates in the age group 70-79 years from 2000-2004 to 2010-2014, a subgroup which is often not well represented in clinical trials [30]. This is consistent with ndings from other studies, reporting survival improvements in advanced age groups during the past 15-20 years [5,23,31]. From 2010-2014 to 2015-2019, we observed stagnation of survival estimates in this subgroup, although statistical precision is limited due to small numbers.…”

“…Five-year RS estimates are presented in Figure 1 and in and 1990-2016, respectively, reporting that the main improvement of survival was achieved from 1999 onwards, that is, in the period covered by our analysis [5,22]. Our 5-year RS estimates from the most recent period are overall comparable to data from other cancer registries, apart from differences in the age groups included [5,23,24].…”

“…Since 1990, the MM incidence rate increased in countries reporting cancer incidence data, a trend attributable to factors such as population growth, change in age structure, diagnostic improvements, and others [2,3]. Although MM remains incurable in most cases, clinical studies and population-based analyses have shown improvement of survival over the past decades [4][5][6]. Along this line, time to relapse or progression has been prolonged, due to pharmacological advances in conjunction with continuous therapy.…”

Burden of arrhythmias and predictors of mortality among multiple myeloma patients with arrhythmias

“…Due to progress made in treatment of MM with chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation in those eligible, mortality rates have reduced with an overall 5-year survival rate of 54% 6. Most patients diagnosed with MM are the elderly aged 65 years and above 7.…”

“…5 Due to progress made in treatment of MM with chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation in those eligible, mortality rates have reduced with an overall 5-year survival rate of 54%. 6 Most patients diagnosed with MM are the elderly aged 65 years and above. 7 As a result of their age and other factors, many patients with a diagnosis of MM have predisposing cardiovascular risk factors placing them at risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes.…”